Workload of AFA instructors when conducting formation flights training on the T-27 aircraft

Authors

  • Marcelo Furtado de Almeida Corpo de alunos, Escola Preparatória de Cadetes do Ar, EPCAR, Barbacena, MG, Brasil
  • Fábio Angioluci Diniz Campos Academia da Força Aérea , AFA, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22480/rev.unifa.2024.37.616

Keywords:

Aviators, workload, flight instruction

Abstract

The high cognitive demand inherent in flying is identified as a fundamental factor contributing 
substantially to pilots’ workload (WL). This WL, in turn, impacts fatigue, performance, and flight safety. The proposed study aims to evaluate the WL of military flight instructors. Delving into the conceptualization and measurement of WL, the study acknowledges its subjective nature,  influenced by various dimensions. The research was conducted with 22 flight instructors from the Air Force Academy (AFA), focusing on formation flights. Methodological procedures included the use of the NASA-TLX questionnaire to measure instructors’ perception of WL. The results indicate 
significantly elevated levels of WL, with particular attention to dimensions such as Performance, 
Mental Demand, and Effort. This pronounced WL is associated with the constant need to monitor 
crucial details during training flights, especially when supervising pilots in formation to ensure the quality of instruction and flight safety. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of analyzing the WL of flight instructors to understand the levels of stress involved and the most influential dimensions in this context. Understanding the intensity of WL and the areas that 
contribute most to its formation is relevant for adopting mitigating measures and managing the 
mental condition of flight instructors.

Author Biographies

  • Marcelo Furtado de Almeida, Corpo de alunos, Escola Preparatória de Cadetes do Ar, EPCAR, Barbacena, MG, Brasil

     Mayor Aviador de la Fuerza Aérea Brasileña. Cuenta con una maestría del Programa de Posgrado en Desempeño Humano Operacional (PPGDHO) de la Universidad de la Fuerza Aérea (UNIFA). 
    Completó el Curso de Capacitación de Oficiales de Aviación en la Academia de la Fuerza Aérea - AFA (2009). Es Licenciado en Ciencias Aeronáuticas, con titulación 
    en Aviación Militar, y en Administración, con énfasis en Administración Pública, tanto por AFA (2009). Cuenta con Cursos de Extensión en Gerencia de Proyectos de la Universidad Leonardo da Vinci - UNIASSELVI (2020) y MBA "lato sensu" en Gestión Público con énfasis en Proyectos y Procesos de UNIFA (2021). Tiene experiencia en 7 años como instructor de vuelo en AFA. Actualmente trabaja en la formación de futuros Cadetes de la Fuerza Aérea, siendo oficial del Cuerpo de Estudiantes de la Escuela Preparatoria de 
    Cadetes del Aire – EPCAR, en la ciudad de Barbacena-MG.

  • Fábio Angioluci Diniz Campos, Academia da Força Aérea , AFA, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil

    She holds a Full Degree in Physical Education from the State University of Londrina (2003), a Specialization in Exercise Physiology from the Federal University of São Paulo (2005) and a Master's Degree in Physical Education from the University of São Paulo (2011). PhD in Human Movement Sciences from the Methodist University of Piracicaba (2017). Effective Professor of Basic, Technical and Technological Education at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology Goiano - Ceres Campus during the years 2019 and 2020. Professor and advisor of the Graduate Program in Operational Human Performance (PPGDHO) at the University of the Air Force (UNIFA). She has experience in the area of Physical Education in the area of Biodynamics of Human Movement (Operational Human Performance).

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Published

2024-09-20

Issue

Vol. 37 (2024): Revista da UNIFA

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Marcelo Furtado de Almeida, Fábio Angioluci Diniz Campos

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How to Cite

Workload of AFA instructors when conducting formation flights training on the T-27 aircraft. The Journal of the University of the Air Force , Rio de Janeiro, v. 37, p. 1–16, 2024. DOI: 10.22480/rev.unifa.2024.37.616. Disponível em: https://revistadaunifa.fab.mil.br/index.php/reunifa/article/view/616.. Acesso em: 18 nov. 2024.

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